Kicking back

Paul DiMeo relaxed in a Colonie hotel conference room Friday morning. He had done a round of media calls, talking about how the Oatman project was special.

DiMeo, a 49-year-old Philly area native, said he sometimes watches the show and thinks, “That’s not the week I just lived.” That’s because the show is not likely to focus on the bonds he makes with the workers from town to town. Especially here.

“It’s like going to summer camp and then having to say goodbye to all those folks,” he said. “As important as the families are — and they are so, so important — so is the community it happens in.”

DiMeo said he was taken aback by the generosity of the community — and the food. “I’ve gained seven pounds here with the canoli.”

At the same time, DiMeo is acting as a spokesman for cholesterol screening and management (his is genetically high) as part of a campaign called Goal Standard.